India Secures Agricultural Import Protections in US Trade Deal: US Trade Envoy

• US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed India can maintain some agricultural import protections in the new trade deal.
• The agreement will reduce India's tariffs on American industrial goods to zero from 13.5%, and eliminate duties on tree nuts, wine, spirits, fruits, and vegetables.
• Greer noted that negotiations on farm products are not fully settled, with Washington seeking further access to India's agriculture sector.
• The deal will also lower US tariffs on most Indian goods to 18% from 50%, addressing India's growing trade surplus with the US.
• Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that PM Modi ensured the protection of India's agriculture and dairy sectors, opening opportunities for MSMEs and other key sectors.

Why It Matters: India's agricultural sector remains protected in the new US trade deal, while tariffs on industrial goods are reduced.